Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I`m planning on getting a 3 toed box turtle soon and i was trying to get the set up all ready. I read on a care sheet for a inside cage i can use a large 50gal storage container? is this safe and ok to do so? I need to know what else i need. I don`t want to spend to much but i will spend what i have to. I want a cheap easy way to make a nice set up and make it so my turtle will be happy. I know there are so many different fruits and veggies to feed them but what should i stay away from?Are the ok with tap water or should i use bottled? When i use calcium and vitamins for them do i cover there food or how do i give it?Would it be okay to have a inside and outside cage and put him outside during the day then bring him in at night?Any help would be great!

Most of your questions can be answered by the information found on this website (check the link below).
Read and enjoy! Glad to see you're doing some homework BEFORE acquiring your turtle.

Stephanie
Link

I myself have (3) three toed box turtles, so let me see if I can help. First of all, an indoor enclosure should be your last result for your turtle. It'll be alright for a baby and a young juvenil, but an adult should definately have an year round outdooor pen. The baby and young juvenil should have an outdorr pen too for the most part, but you have to take MANY measures of securing the pen so no predators can get to them. Minimum indoor encloser will be 5' x 5' an adult if you have to keep it inside due to very cold weather year round. I would lose the cheap way out method of thinking. No matter what, indoor or outdoor enclosure, you'll spend a lot.
No offense, but I can tell you haven't done much research on box turtle care. You need to consult MANY sites for your information. I will answer the questions you asked, but please do more research. Box turtles love fruits, but they need more vegetables. Fruits are their deserts, but they still need them. If a diet of mainly fruit is given, then they will not be open to eating veggies and you'll have a problem. Here's a link about food that I've followed.....

http://www.boxturtlesite.org/diet.html

As far as I know, wwhat water you use doesn't matter. I use water from the hose for my turtles water bowl in the cage and when I soak them. You don't need to worry so much about any vitamin suppliment if you VARY your turtles diet A LOT. However, do some research on the computer, and you'll find a good one. Remember, too much of the suppliment WILL HARM THE TURTLE.

I hope I was of some help.